Actress Sharon Johal also alleges racism on soap

A third Neighbours star, Sharon Johal, has spoken out about the racism she says she endured on the set of the popular Australian soap opera. The Australian actress, who has Indian heritage, left the show in March after four years as character Dipi Rebecchi. Johal said she had faced racist taunts from white castmates, and felt further targeted when she asked for help. She said she felt "morally compelled" to voice her trauma after two Aboriginal stars did so last week.

The former lawyer and Melbourne-based actress described it as a "human rights issue". On-set racism allegations were first raised by former cast members Meyne Wyatt and Shareena Clanton. Clanton had said it was "traumatising to work in such a culturally unsafe space".

In response, production company Fremantle Media said it would hold a review into the allegations. Clanton praised Johal's expression on Tuesday, commenting on her Instagram post: "So it begins... I am with you and so proud of you for speaking up." 

What does Johal allege?

In a 1,500 word statement on Tuesday, Johal said she had experienced "direct, indirect and casual racism" on the set from other castmates and crew members. She did not identify anyone.

She said one former castmate compared her to a bobble-head toy, and repeatedly mimicked Indian character Apu from The Simpsons in her presence "with accompanying Indian accent and movement of head" - despite Johal requesting they desist.

Another castmate, still on the show, had also repeatedly referred to her as "you people" when talking about people of Indian descent in a derogatory way. Johal said when she asked what the castmate had meant, she was told: "You know, Indians".

She was later alerted by crew members that the same castmate had also called her "the black one" or "blackie" behind her back. She alleged they had also repeatedly voiced claims on set that the show had only hired Indian actors to "fill their diversity quotas" and "not because they're any good".

When she raised complaints with management, no disciplinary action was taken and she was further targeted, she said. "While they were sympathetic and the actor [was] questioned on one occasion .. no further action was taken."